Baker women fall in NAIA semifinals

DECATUR, Ala. – The Baker University women’s soccer team had its dream season come to an end on Friday afternoon, falling to Hastings College (Neb.) 3-1.

After playing a scoreless first half, Hastings and Baker traded blows in the second half until the 69th minute when Hastings’ Sara Wenzl broke the game open sneaking a ball past Baker goalkeeper Maggie Dupes. Less than three minutes later the Broncos struck again on an unassisted goal from Amanda Olson.

Hastings wasn’t finished. Just over seven minutes later Amanda Olson weaved through the Baker defense and got the ball to a streaking Jessica Carlson who finished it from there to give Hastings a 3-0 advantage from which they never looked back.

Jen Sampson netted the only Baker goal just 17 seconds later, but the comeback wasn’t meant to be.

The Baker offense recorded 12 shots with seven on target. Hastings recorded 14 shots, nine of which were on goal.

“We had a fantastic season and left everything on the table,” said head coach Nate Houser. “Sometimes it doesn’t go your way. The girls that are graduating in May have set a new standard for the women that will play for this program in the future.”

Baker (14-6-4) not only made history by qualifying for the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship for the first time in school history, but its third-place overall finish will rank among the all-time athletic feats in the 152 year history of the school.